Before Shelby Sampson built her own business, she helped run someone else’s.

 

Not long after college, she moved to Austin and began working for a prominent female business owner who owned several companies. Shelby became her personal assistant and right hand. She managed businesses, oversaw marketing, handled scheduling, and helped keep a household with four kids organized.

 

“Kathy was a badass female business owner,” Shelby recalls. “She was so committed to her career but still made her family and friends a priority. She showed up positively every day regardless of whatever she had going on. She helped inspire me to take the same risks in my life and showed me what was possible in creating the life and work balance I love.”

 

Among the many lessons she absorbed was an exposure to real estate. Kathy and her husband owned property, and Shelby assisted with it. “I really enjoyed the hustle, the negotiations, and the business tactics,” she says. “It felt like it could be a great personality fit.” That realization stayed with her when she moved back to her home state of Colorado.

 

Growing up in Littleton, Colorado, Shelby’s life was largely shaped by competitive sports, where she learned dedication, hard work, creative solutions, and how to operate as part of a team. After earning her degree in Public Relations from Colorado State University, she headed to Austin, not knowing many people and determined to make it work.

 

“There were ups and downs, but I had to really trust myself that I could figure it out. I networked like crazy, tried jobs that weren’t a fit, and took risks. I had to really lean in to being a self-starter and stay motivated,” she recalls.

 

She spent nearly five years there, soaking up everything she could about running a business. By the time she returned to Denver in 2015, she was ready to build something of her own.

 

“I wanted to find a career where I could carve my own path and determine my own destiny,” Shelby explains. “I love connecting with people, finding creative solutions, and the fast-paced, competitive environment that real estate provides.”

 

Ten years later, that decision has translated into 304 transactions. Last year alone, she closed nearly $50 million in volume across 39 transactions. She has earned The Agency’s Chairman’s Award, placing in the top five percent of the company globally, along with multiple 5280 and DMAR awards.

 

However, for Shelby, it’s not about the accolades. “I’m really passionate about building long-term relationships rather than chasing quick transactions,” she says. “For me, success is when clients come back years later or refer friends because then I know they trusted the experience.”

 

Right now, Shelby is focused on elevating that experience through clear communication, thoughtful marketing, and service that feels personal rather than transactional. And, much like Kathy once did for her, she now mentors other women. Shelby has begun hosting women’s financial freedom courses.

 

“It has been very rewarding to share the knowledge I have and help other women see how they can create wealth and security through real estate or other investment forms,” Shelby shares.

 

While Shelby loves teaching, she is also the first to admit she is still learning. “Real estate has been a constant teacher for me. It’s challenged me to grow professionally and personally, and that growth aligns closely with my broader goals of becoming more disciplined, thoughtful, and service-driven over time.”

 

Outside of work, Shelby and her husband Andrew live in the Regis College neighborhood. Her parents and sister are all in the Denver metro area, and she lights up talking about her niece and nephew.

 

They travel often, especially to their home in Todos Santos. In the winter, she snowboards. In the summer, she plays tennis and rollerblades. Music is a constant. She also runs a creative side business, Cobra and Chief, where she makes custom beaded croakies and taps into her artistic side.

 

When asked about her advice to other agents, Shelby emphasizes consistency over talent or trends: “Showing up, following up, and doing the basics well—every single day—builds a business faster than chasing shortcuts. Invest in your skills, your systems, and your confidence. There will be ebbs and flows, but just ride the wave and stick with it.”

 

At the end of the day, Shelby hopes to be remembered for contributing positively to her community and helping people find a true sense of home.

 

“I hope that people remember me as someone who truly cared, had a lot of fun, and lived passionately. And that I was a very fast runner,” she adds with a laugh.